The word makeshift means something put together for the time being. The Tokyo band that took it as a name has turned out to be more durable than that.
The Band
makeshift plays emotional melodic hardcore, and describes itself as shaped by bands in that style from both Japan and abroad. It is from Tokyo.
The lineup is Kei on vocals, Sosuke and Mizuki on guitar, and Ryo on drums.
The Singer
Kei’s route into the band is the interesting part. Kei first sang with makeshift as a support member, standing in at the microphone without being part of the group. In September 2023 the band made it official.
It is a sensible way to change singers. The band and the audience both got to hear how it worked before anyone committed.
The Records
There are three albums: Sick in 2018, Separation in 2020 and TEMPUS in 2024.
Between the second and third came a pair of singles. “Hollow square, drowning sun” was released in 2022. “In This Moment” followed in 2023, about a year and a half later, and was introduced at the time as a fast, emotional song from one of Tokyo’s jojo-kei hardcore bands. That Japanese term covers hardcore with a melodic, lyrical streak.
A further single, “Trueblue,” came out in 2025.
Where It Fits
Japan has a deep bench of bands in this style. universe last a ward plays a heavier version of it in Fukuoka. nervous light of sunday has been at it in Tokyo since the early 2000s. makeshift is a younger branch of the same family.
Why It Matters
Not every band worth knowing has a dramatic story. This one has three albums and a singer who earned the place.
Start with TEMPUS, then “Trueblue.”
